Video: Martin Gray to go it alone while searching for ‘tough and horrible’ players for next season

Manager Martin Gray insists supporters will see a totally different York City outfit next season after their final home game of the campaign ended in a tame 2-2 draw with Leamington.

The former Darlington supremo promises there will be no interference from elsewhere when it comes to future recruitment, and that he alone will be responsible for bringing in “tough and horrible” players over the summer.

“There will be changes,” Gray told BBC Radio York. “Judge this football team on the players I bring in for next season because you will have a bunch of tough, horrible people that will die and give everything for this club.

“Because I won’t accept what’s going on. There’s a small group of players which will stay with us, but beyond that I’ve told the players I’m not putting my name to that going forward.

“I want winners and a mentality of hunger and desire,” he continued. “We have all failed and you see today why we’ve failed. It’s not good enough and the players and certain individuals are kidding themselves. I will say it as it is, there is no point in hiding away.

“The recruiting hasn’t been as good as it should have been. There’s been a lot of loan players in and it is a group decision, so it’s alright saying I make all the decisions but I do work with the staff.

“So don’t hang me out for this one: one in it, all in it – and that’s my staff as well. That means [sporting director] Dave Penney as well. Every member of staff since I’ve come in has helped with the recruiting policy.

“But going forward it will be me and only me.”

The Minstermen have just a single game remaining at third-placed Brackley Town next weekend, with still a mathematical but highly unlikely opportunity of making the play-offs.